flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Architecture Billings Index up again in February

Architecture Billings Index up again in February

The new projects inquiry index reached its highest mark since January 2007.


By AIA | March 20, 2013

With increasing demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) is continuing to strengthen. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

The American Institute of Architects reported the February ABI score was 54.9, up slightly from a mark of 54.2 in January.  This score reflects a strong increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).  The new projects inquiry index was 64.8, higher than the reading of 63.2 the previous month – and its highest mark since January 2007.

“Conditions have been strengthening in all regions and construction sectors for the last several months,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.  “Still, we also continue to hear a mix of business conditions in the marketplace as this hesitant recovery continues to unfold.”

Key February ABI highlights:

  • Regional averages: Northeast (56.7), Midwest (54.7), West (54.7), South (52.7)
  • Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (60.9), mixed practice (56.9), commercial / industrial (53.3), institutional (50.7)
  • Project inquiries index: 64.8.
  • The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the index and inquiries are monthly numbers.
     

About the AIA Architecture Billings Index
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group, is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey that is sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended as compared to the prior month, and the results are then compiled into the ABI.  These monthly results are also seasonally adjusted to allow for comparison to prior months. The monthly ABI index scores are centered around 50, with scores above 50 indicating an aggregate increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicating a decline. The regional and sector data are formulated using a three-month moving average. More information on the ABI and the analysis of its relationship to construction activity can be found in the White Paper Architecture Billings as a Leading Indicator of Construction: Analysis of the Relationship Between a Billings Index and Construction Spending on the AIA web site.

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well being.  Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

Related Stories

Building Technology | Mar 8, 2019

What is your firm's innovation 'hit rate'?

As firms begin to adopt the practices and mindset of Silicon Valley tech and advanced manufacturing, it’s fair to ask: Are all of these innovation projects and initiatives working?

Architects | Mar 7, 2019

HED, Integrated Design Group to merge firms

ID has a strong reputation for data center design with locations in Boston in Dallas.

Architects | Mar 5, 2019

Arata Isozaki named 2019 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate

The Japanese architect, city planner, and theorist is known for his deep commitment to the “art of space” and transnational methodology.

Architects | Feb 14, 2019

Amazon will not build HQ2 in New York City

The tech giant walks away from a deal, succumbing to opposition over huge tax breaks.

Architects | Feb 12, 2019

The basics of building commissioning

As building system technology increases in complexity and sustainability remains at the forefront of design, the need for commissioning continues to rise. This is the first post in our series examining the basics, benefits and boundaries of building commissioning.

Architects | Jan 28, 2019

9 tech trends to track in 2019

Innovations in voice recognition, cognitive neuroscience, and biometrics are among the trending tech topics for 2019, according to CallisonRTKL's Kristin Tilley.

AEC Tech | Jan 9, 2019

Our robotic future: Assessing AI's impact on the AEC profession and the built environment

This is the first in a series by Lance Hosey, FAIA, on how automation is disrupting design and construction.

Architects | Dec 17, 2018

New toolkit helps architect achieve high-performance buildings

Architects can download a copy of the toolkit online.

Architects | Dec 13, 2018

Social media synergy: Revving up your AEC firm’s content engine

Design firms know that just having a website and a blog aren’t enough, but social media complicates how they communicate.   

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Urban Planning

Bridging the gap: How early architect involvement can revolutionize a city’s capital improvement plans

Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) typically span three to five years and outline future city projects and their costs. While they set the stage, the design and construction of these projects often extend beyond the CIP window, leading to a disconnect between the initial budget and evolving project scope. This can result in financial shortfalls, forcing cities to cut back on critical project features.



Libraries

Reasons to reinvent the Midcentury academic library

DLR Group's Interior Design Leader Gretchen Holy, Assoc. IIDA, shares the idea that a designer's responsibility to embrace a library’s history, respect its past, and create an environment that will serve student populations for the next 100 years.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021